When you talk to someone from almost any state east of the Mississippi and the conversation turns to Arizonans' attitudes toward minorities, the Easterner is almost certain to think: SB 1070, a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage, an ultraconservative Legislature and governor -- in general, a disinterest or even hostility toward minorities.

BOSTON Republican front-runner Mitt Romney has begun his search for a running mate in the race for president, and he will be guided in part by the lessons his party learned from Sarah Palin's selection four years ago.